Baker Hughes: U.S. well count hits 9,394

HOUSTON, July 11 (UPI) -- Activity in shale basins in Texas helped push the U.S. onshore well count above 9,000 for the second quarter, oil service company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday.

Baker Hughes said the U.S. onshore rig count for the second quarter was 9,394, up 428 compared to the first quarter.

The oil services company said the well count was boosted by increased activity in the Permian and Granite Wash shale basins in Texas, which saw 11 percent and 23 percent increases in well counts from the first quarter, respectively.

Baker Hughes explains its well count provides an indication of where companies are working most in the country.

Permian is one of the premier shale basins in the country and has helped Texas maintain its top position among oil-producing states.

Baker Hughes published a monthly report on global rig counts Thursday, reflecting the number of rigs actively exploring for oil or natural gas.

The oil services company said there were an average 1,861 rigs active in the United States in June, up two from the number counted in May but up 100 from June 2013.